Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases
Abstract Synchrotron-radiation nano-X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a cutting-edge technique offering high-resolution insights into the elemental composition of biological tissues, shedding light on metabolic processes and element localization within cellular structures. In the context of Idiopathic Pul...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Cell Communication and Signaling |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-025-02076-4 |
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| author | Bryan Falcones Maik Kahnt Ulf Johansson Barbora Svobodová Karin A. von Wachenfelt Charlott Brunmark Göran Dellgren Linda Elowsson Karina Thånell Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson |
| author_facet | Bryan Falcones Maik Kahnt Ulf Johansson Barbora Svobodová Karin A. von Wachenfelt Charlott Brunmark Göran Dellgren Linda Elowsson Karina Thånell Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson |
| author_sort | Bryan Falcones |
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| description | Abstract Synchrotron-radiation nano-X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a cutting-edge technique offering high-resolution insights into the elemental composition of biological tissues, shedding light on metabolic processes and element localization within cellular structures. In the context of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating lung condition associated with respiratory complications and reduced life expectancy, nano-XRF presents a promising avenue for understanding the disease’s intricate pathology. Our developed workflow enables the assessment of elemental composition in both human and rodent fibrotic tissues, providing insights on the interplay between cellular compartments in chronic lung diseases. Our findings demonstrate trace element accumulations associated with anthracosis, a feature observed in IPF. Notably, Zn and Ca clusters approximately 750 nm in size were identified exclusively in IPF samples. While their specific role remains unclear, their presence may be associated with disease-specific processes. Additionally, we observed Fe and S signal colocalization in 650-nm structures within some IPF cells. Fe-S complexes in mitochondria are known to be associated with increased ROS production, suggesting a potential connection to the disease pathology. In contrast, a bleomycin-induced fibrosis rodent model exhibits a different elemental phenotype with low Fe and increased S, Zn, and Ca. Overall, our workflow highlights the effectiveness of synchrotron-based nano-XRF mapping in analyzing the spatial distribution of trace elements within diseased tissue, offering valuable insights into the elemental aspects of IPF and related chronic lung diseases. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7288189bb9404fbb9039d806b1026d8f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1478-811X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cell Communication and Signaling |
| spelling | doaj-art-7288189bb9404fbb9039d806b1026d8f2025-02-09T12:47:19ZengBMCCell Communication and Signaling1478-811X2025-02-0123111110.1186/s12964-025-02076-4Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseasesBryan Falcones0Maik Kahnt1Ulf Johansson2Barbora Svobodová3Karin A. von Wachenfelt4Charlott Brunmark5Göran Dellgren6Linda Elowsson7Karina Thånell8Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson9MAX IV Laboratory, Lund UniversityMAX IV Laboratory, Lund UniversityMAX IV Laboratory, Lund UniversityLung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund UniversityTruly Labs ABTruly Labs ABTransplant Institute, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University HospitalLung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund UniversityMAX IV Laboratory, Lund UniversityLung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund UniversityAbstract Synchrotron-radiation nano-X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a cutting-edge technique offering high-resolution insights into the elemental composition of biological tissues, shedding light on metabolic processes and element localization within cellular structures. In the context of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating lung condition associated with respiratory complications and reduced life expectancy, nano-XRF presents a promising avenue for understanding the disease’s intricate pathology. Our developed workflow enables the assessment of elemental composition in both human and rodent fibrotic tissues, providing insights on the interplay between cellular compartments in chronic lung diseases. Our findings demonstrate trace element accumulations associated with anthracosis, a feature observed in IPF. Notably, Zn and Ca clusters approximately 750 nm in size were identified exclusively in IPF samples. While their specific role remains unclear, their presence may be associated with disease-specific processes. Additionally, we observed Fe and S signal colocalization in 650-nm structures within some IPF cells. Fe-S complexes in mitochondria are known to be associated with increased ROS production, suggesting a potential connection to the disease pathology. In contrast, a bleomycin-induced fibrosis rodent model exhibits a different elemental phenotype with low Fe and increased S, Zn, and Ca. Overall, our workflow highlights the effectiveness of synchrotron-based nano-XRF mapping in analyzing the spatial distribution of trace elements within diseased tissue, offering valuable insights into the elemental aspects of IPF and related chronic lung diseases.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-025-02076-4Synchrotron-radiation X-Ray fluorescenceLung fibrosisElemental pathologyMetal metabolismIron trafficking |
| spellingShingle | Bryan Falcones Maik Kahnt Ulf Johansson Barbora Svobodová Karin A. von Wachenfelt Charlott Brunmark Göran Dellgren Linda Elowsson Karina Thånell Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases Cell Communication and Signaling Synchrotron-radiation X-Ray fluorescence Lung fibrosis Elemental pathology Metal metabolism Iron trafficking |
| title | Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| title_full | Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| title_fullStr | Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| title_full_unstemmed | Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| title_short | Nano-XRF of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored Ca, Zn, S and Fe metabolism: a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| title_sort | nano xrf of lung fibrotic tissue reveals unexplored ca zn s and fe metabolism a novel approach to chronic lung diseases |
| topic | Synchrotron-radiation X-Ray fluorescence Lung fibrosis Elemental pathology Metal metabolism Iron trafficking |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-025-02076-4 |
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